Review Of Exodus 27

— by Victor Fawole

I welcome everyone to Exodus 27 – as we see the conclusion of the descriptions of the Tabernacle. We read about the interior features of the Tabernacle in chapter 25, and the exterior coverings in chapter 26. In this chapter, we will consider the descriptions of the outer courtyard.

Let us review:

1. THE BRONZE ALTAR

Exo. 27:1 “You shall make an altar of acacia wood, five cubits long and five cubits wide—the altar shall be square—and its height shall be three cubits.

In different ways and times, God made it clear that the only way man can have a relationship with Him is through a substitution sacrifice that He accepts. He symbolised it by killing a lamb to cover the nakedness of Adam and Eve. Under the law, animals were killed for atonement. He specifically required them to build an altar so that these sacrifices could be made. This altar was located some yards away from the “Presence of God” – nobody bypasses the altar and gets into the presence of God. These all pointed to Jesus Christ – the Ultimate Sacrifice for sins. They were shadows of Jesus and His sacrificial death.

The altar and its accessories were covered in bronze, not gold. As I mentioned two days ago, bronze symbolises God’s judgement of sin. The altar is where their sins were judged – a direct pointer to Calvary. The bronze protected the altar from the fire inside it. This fire is a symbol of God’s judgement (Heb. 12:29, Heb. 10:27). Sin is not a trivial matter that should be treated lightly (Eze. 21:31). Unless people accept that God will judge sin, they will feel no need to repent. Jesus bore the fire of God’s judgement and gave us a free way of complete escape. Hallelujah!

In the book of Revelation, Jesus is said to have “bronze” feet (Rev. 1:15) – and I believe this is because He will bring judgement to Satan by crushing him with His feet (Rom. 16:20).

Also, I’m intrigued by the fact that the altar had four horns. The horns were indispensable and irremovable. They were the most sacred part. Some of the blood from the sacrifice was put on the horns and the rest was poured out at the base. In the Bible, horns symbolise power and refuge. The power of Christ’s blood is so strong that anyone who believes in it is delivered from condemnation (Rom. 8:1). Christ’s sacrifice also provided atonement for the entire world – all the four corners – and anyone who believes will not perish (John 3:16). There is no sin that is beyond the power in His blood. Hallelujah!

2. THE BOUNDED AREA

Exo. 27:9 “You shall also make the court of the tabernacle. For the south side there shall be hangings for the court made of fine woven linen, one hundred cubits long for one side.

The courtyard is a bounded area with the outer walls that surround the Tabernacle. I love the reference to fine linens, pillars and sockets of bronze, hooks and bands of silver, curtains of blue, purple, and scarlet, and so on. These are features that we have examined and explained their spiritual significance in previous reviews.

Silver was used for the courtyard’s foundation – a reminder to us that we should always take our standing in the redemption we have in Christ. However, the courtyard’s fence had a foundation of refined bronze – a reminder to us that our security is based on the judgement Jesus took in our place. That is why we should always come into God’s courts to praise Him (Psa. 65:4, Psa. 100:4).

3. THE BURNING ALTAR

Exo. 27:2 “And you shall command the children of Israel that they bring you pure oil of pressed olives for the light, to cause the lamp to burn continually.

The oil symbolises the Holy Spirit (1Sam. 16:13; Zec. 4:2-6). It had to be pure olive oil – and olive is a symbol of life (Gen 8:11). Our personal spiritual devotion is the solid basis for shining our light in this world (Matt. 5:14). God never wanted the lamps to lose their fire. We can only be on fire for God if we are continually drawing from the supply of the Holy Spirit, and if we are continuously “trimmed” by God (John 15:2b). That is when we can shine our light brighter and brighter in this world.

Dear Gogolights, we cannot thank God enough for the sacrifice of Jesus. Under the law, sacrifices were made daily (Exo. 29:36, Num. 28:3). Spotless lambs! Yet, these sacrifices could not by themselves take away sins. They could only cover the sins of the people (Heb. 10:1,11). These sacrifices were imperfect. All thanks to Jesus Christ – Who offered a one-time sacrifice for all (Heb. 10:14, Rev. 1:5). Let us rejoice in the perfect sacrifice of Jesus!

Tag five people and tell them: JESUS IS MY PERFECT SUBSTITUTE!

God bless you for reading. We shall continue tomorrow.

Grace to you, Church!